Someone please tell me what needs to be changed at RIM

[mithrazor]

Okay so with the new CEO announcement and how he said nothing needs to be changed with the direction they're headed in.

And with that, I agree. BB7 was a success, especially considering with what they came out with for BB6. That was a huge step in the right direction. No more underpowered processors. Good hardware. That was a step in the right direction.

They executed the launch pretty successfully also. Consecutive worldwide launch with multiple devices.

We all saw OS2.0, and what they showed off was actually pretty impressive. Another step in the right direction.

And with the new CEO knowing what's going on behind the scenes and these 2 things. I'd have to agree with him saying they don't need to change anything. They changed what they had to in 2011. Things should be getting situated now over there at RIM.

So for those that disagree. Don't just tell me you disagree. Tell me why.

[alnamvet68]

Think about what RIM is doing right...Blackberry phones/devices are the phone de jour for well over 50% of smartphone users south of our borders; some estimates have Blackberry devices in the hands of over 40% worldwide. That said, the real question should be what marketing changes are needed for North America to catch up with what the rest of the world already knows?

My take on this is that there is a pathological culture of complacency at RIM, which in all likelihood has permeated every top decision mover and shaker at RIM....these top dogs are sitting smug in the "knowledge" that everything they do is right, and that everyone outside this "club" is wrong. This new boss would do well to shake up the entire management/sales/advertising teams, and start recruiting new blood with a fixed eye to the future. These jokers are completely ignoring North American needs, while pointing to their successes elsewhere....well, all is not good here in the "First World", and the sooner RIM accepts that fact and boldly acts on that knowledge, the better they will be for it.

[biggulpseh]

Originally Posted by mithrazor

Okay so with the new CEO announcement and how he said nothing needs to be changed with the direction they're headed in.

And with that, I agree. BB7 was a success, especially considering with what they came out with for BB6. That was a huge step in the right direction. No more underpowered processors. Good hardware. That was a step in the right direction.

They executed the launch pretty successfully also. Consecutive worldwide launch with multiple devices.

We all saw OS2.0, and what they showed off was actually pretty impressive. Another step in the right direction.

And with the new CEO knowing what's going on behind the scenes and these 2 things. I'd have to agree with him saying they don't need to change anything. They changed what they had to in 2011. Things should be getting situated now over there at RIM.

So for those that disagree. Don't just tell me you disagree. Tell me why.

I agree and disagree. BB7 was certainly a step in the right direction, but it's still 10 steps behind the competition. OS 2.0 is looking very good so far, but again, they're releasing a product that is basically matching what has already been on the market for quite some time. Their execution and ability to deliver a product has been unacceptable thus far. I think it's encouraging that the new CEO realizes this.

However, I think if I were an investor, I would be looking at the fact that the management and board doesn't want to make any radical changes as a GOOD thing, not a bad thing. These are the people that know what is coming down the pipeline and are excited enough in that product to want to bet the company on it. They're betting that their product will be better than or at least competitive with what's on the market and/or what's going to be on the market.

[trelawrence]

Originally Posted by alnamvet68

Think about what RIM is doing right...Blackberry phones/devices are the phone de jour for well over 50% of smartphone users south of our borders; some estimates have Blackberry devices in the hands of over 40% worldwide. That said, the real question should be what marketing changes are needed for North America to catch up with what the rest of the world already knows?

My take on this is that there is a pathological culture of complacency at RIM, which in all likelihood has permeated every top decision mover and shaker at RIM....these top dogs are sitting smug in the "knowledge" that everything they do is right, and that everyone outside this "club" is wrong. This new boss would do well to shake up the entire management/sales/advertising teams, and start recruiting new blood with a fixed eye to the future. These jokers are completely ignoring North American needs, while pointing to their successes elsewhere....well, all is not good here in the "First World", and the sooner RIM accepts that fact and boldly acts on that knowledge, the better they will be for it.

Not a bad synopsis.

[bbpandy]

Originally Posted by alnamvet68

These jokers are completely ignoring North American needs, while pointing to their successes elsewhere....well, all is not good here in the "First World", and the sooner RIM accepts that fact and boldly acts on that knowledge, the better they will be for it.

hmmm "First World" eh?.....Yep you must be American....USA, USA, USA!......lets go invade someone!

[alnamvet68]

Originally Posted by bbpandy

hmmm "First World" eh?.....Yep you must be American....USA, USA, USA!......lets go invade someone!

You may want to re-think your post, and focus on a response that directly addresses the OP's question of what needs changing at RIM.

Oh, and in answer to your question, yes, I am an American, and a proud one at that.

[Thunderbuck]

Originally Posted by biggulpseh

I agree and disagree. BB7 was certainly a step in the right direction, but it's still 10 steps behind the competition...

"10 steps behind"? How so?

[bbpandy]

Originally Posted by alnamvet68

You may want to re-think your post, and focus on a response that directly addresses the OP's question of what needs changing at RIM.

Oh, and in answer to your question, yes, I am an American, and a proud one at that.

Yea your right, It's probably not the best idea to mix politics & the internet.

Plus I like the States, I’m always popping down there to buy cheap gas & alcohol lol

As to the OP’s original question:
I have been impressed by their changes in the last 18 months. I think they have still made some blunders, but looking at what they are doing, & what they are up against I’m impressed. Their problem is that they are starting way behind everyone else. The changes that they started 18 months ago should have been started 3 years ago.

I like the changes, & I hope they continue them…..What needs to change? Their ("First world" ) MARKETING.....MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING! They need to bring in an OUTSIDE CMO YESTERDAY! They need to be someone with lots of experience & well regarded in the business community. I don’t care if they have to steal him/her from another company, just get them. Back up a Brinks truck to their door if you have to. DO IT NOW!!!!

(For those who didn’t get the Brinks analogy: Brink's is popularly known for its bullet-resistant armored trucks which are used to carry money and valuable goods)

[anthogag]

I think they already made a lot of changes in the company

This is the year we see great products and services from RIM

[biggulpseh]

Originally Posted by Thunderbuck

"10 steps behind"? How so?

Come on... if they're products weren't behind then they wouldn't be critically panned, they wouldn't be so unpopular in the US, and RIM wouldn't be betting their company on a brand new and radically different platform.

[dandbj13]

I don't understand the question. If no major changes were needed, why not just keep Mike and Jim? If it was just about staying the course, who better to stay the course than the people who set it? Unfortunately for RIM and those hoping for a turn-around, the new guy agrees with the OP and sees no need for substantive change.

[sosumi11]

Originally Posted by mithrazor

Okay so with the new CEO announcement and how he said nothing needs to be changed with the direction they're headed in.

RIM still thinks that the future is about smartphones.

Smartphones, like PDA's, Walkmans, and MP3 players are transitional tech devices. RIM has absolutely no history or proof that they can build a Microsoft/Apple/Google type ecosystem. This is the Second Coming of the PC Wars and Microsoft left the door open, just as Palm left the door open for RIM. Palm failed to transition the PDA to a smartphone when RIM succeeded to transition the pager.

RIM needs to build the virtual office. Make a system for corporations to allow employees to work from home or anywhere. This is tough because Microsoft has the software (Office) and Apple has the hardware in place. RIM needs to integrate these into a system that allows full use of these powerful ecosystems. Don't fight em.

Embrace them.

And Android Player is not an answer.
It's an escape clause.

[ekv]

Originally Posted by bbpandy

I like the changes, & I hope they continue them…..What needs to change? Their ("First world" ) MARKETING.....MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING! They need to bring in an OUTSIDE CMO YESTERDAY! They need to be someone with lots of experience & well regarded in the business community. I don’t care if they have to steal him/her from another company, just get them. Back up a Brinks truck to their door if you have to. DO IT NOW!!!!

Agree as far as the Marketing Idea goes. Spend a fortune and get some one who can sell and shove down devices to people's throats (at least 30% ability of Jobs).
If apple can sell the iPhone 1, in millions then RIM can sell BB7 devices ..

Make them feel owning a blackberry is a prestigious issue as in some parts of the world.
All that on top of what ever tech RIM comes up with.

[ekv]

Originally Posted by sosumi11

RIM still thinks that the future is about smartphones.

Smartphones, like PDA's, Walkmans, and MP3 players are transitional tech devices. RIM has absolutely no history or proof that they can build a Microsoft/Apple/Google type ecosystem. This is the Second Coming of the PC Wars and Microsoft left the door open, just as Palm left the door open for RIM. Palm failed to transition the PDA to a smartphone when RIM succeeded to transition the pager.

RIM needs to build the virtual office. Make a system for corporations to allow employees to work from home or anywhere. This is tough because Microsoft has the software (Office) and Apple has the hardware in place. RIM needs to integrate these into a system that allows full use of these powerful ecosystems. Don't fight em.

Embrace them.

And Android Player is not an answer.
It's an escape clause.

I heard somewhere that Apple were trying out iOS on apparels. They will already have an exit strategy from smart phones.

RIM should at least give Apple's next "smart" venture its due diligence. It may be a failure, but nothing wrong in keeping an open mind, which RIM did not do when iPhone was launched.

[deRusett]

Originally Posted by biggulpseh

I agree and disagree. BB7 was certainly a step in the right direction, but it's still 10 steps behind the competition

Please, tell me how

THIS was not an answer

Originally Posted by biggulpseh

Come on... if they're products weren't behind then they wouldn't be critically panned, they wouldn't be so unpopular in the US, and RIM wouldn't be betting their company on a brand new and radically different platform.

RIM isn't steps a head of the competition, but they are right there and on their way to being neck and neck.

OS5, Was hugely behind, OS6, was 1 step forward, OS7 brought the OS right there, what RIM still lacks is the developer tools, That is it, the problems with OS7 devices are lack of apps, lack of apps, lack of apps, which is not something RIM really has control of, especially with developers looking to OS2, and BB10 as the future, it is a rock and a hard place, but saying RIM is 10 steps behind is either ignorant of OS7 devices and abilities, or blind hate of RIM.

The reason they are unpopular in the US is OLD products, RIM made a Mistake launching OS6 devices like they did, that gave RIM another year of grossly underpowered devices for consumers to compare to Android and iPhones, People who wanted flashy went from OS5, tried OS6 and got bitten, Once bitten twice shy as the cliche goes, so OS7 they wont give a try.
RIM has Public perception to fight, and getting good and competitive isn't enough to change the public perception, they need a wow factor, and OS7 doesn't have a wow factor.




NOW. to the question of What RIM needs to change.

RIM was on the right track in the second half of 2011, their OS7 launch was a feat for them, the number of countries and the number of devices and the distribution and availability was excellently done, few places were without stock for long, and few places were over stocked, so RIM predicted volumes well, and built devices to meet their needs without over stretching their cash flow (since they needed it for write downs and discounts on that PlayBook,)

RIM identified they priced the PlayBook incorrectly and hopefully realize that they can't price a 7" tablet at the same price as 10" tablets, you take the hit of approximately 50% screen real estate, and consumers think like that. the flooding of the playbook to compete with the Amazon Fire, was a good move for building excitement for OS2, RIM needs some feathers in their cap, and OS2 CAN be a feather if they stick with the plan and launch it with at least the features they showed off in November.

What RIM has done wrong over talking, under delivering, THAT is their biggest biggest problem with public perception, and with getting Developers to jump on board, People don't have faith in RIM's delivery dates, and delivered features. Mr. Heins HAS said that he plans to fix that, and get delivering on schedule, and he doesn't seem to have the mouth of Jim B.

RIM needs a marketing person, their advertising sucks, their Point of sale display's suck, their training programs for sales people sucks, with quality sales and marketing, they also should be getting quality consumer feedback, and hopefully have a voice in the direction of how products need to be presented and displayed.
Mr. Heins has said he wants to bring a CMO into the company, which really Mike and Jim should have done in early 2011, so they had quality marketing for the PlayBook, and for OS7 devices.


RIM also needs to address their developer relations and tools, Alec Saunders is great, he is making inroads, and I hope he starts to get better support from the internal RIM development team, and gets the tools to promote to the 3rd party App developers,
and I hope the 3rd Party app developers are being honest with Alec.